Scottish Islands, Norwegian Fjords & Arctic Discovery

Set sail from Scotland and its beautiful isles en route to the Norwegian fjords and the remote shores of Svalbard on this dazzling 15-day odyssey along the fjord coastline of Norway. Explore the glaciers that carved the stunning landscapes, visit arctic islands by Zodiac in search of wildlife, walk through history at UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and so much more. Every day of this journey reveals a new icy wonderland on the water.

Explore the Standing Stones of Stenness on the remote island of Kirkwall, Wander through fishing villages and appreciate the slow pace of life, Search cliffs for trolls, Enjoy some of the world’s most beautiful scenery along Norway’s rugged coastline, Sail past mist-shrouded Bjørnøya — a bird watcher’s paradise featuring spectacular views

Dossier Disclaimer

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERYIMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Important Notes

Please note: While it is our intention of adhere to the route described above, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable, to make alterations. On the first day of your tour, your Expedition Leader will give you an expedition overview.

The G Expedition is an adventure expedition ship and does not offer an elevator.

ACTIVITYLEVEL
The activity level for this trip as a whole is graded “Light”, as the itinerary includes light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Please be advised that there are two activities included on this tour that are graded as “Moderate”. Travellers are able to opt out of any excursion that they are not comfortable participating in. The two activities of higher activity grading are the following:

1. Glacier Walk: The first 20 – 30 minutes of this activity is a moderate to strenuous walk; the grade is slightly steep but the footing is easy. If you are unable to manage this walk, there will be a trolley car available to take you most of the way to the glacier hike.

2. Svartisen Land Excursion: The first 30 – 45 minutes of the hike is easy on a flat surface. The remaining hike is guided in small groups as it can be a challenging maze of rocky outcroppings leading to a close encounter with the ice.

BOOTSFORZODIACLANDINGS
- Complementary waterproof boots for use on board will be supplied in the following sizes:
- US size 6 – 16
- EUR size 36 – 49
Please be advised that there are limited numbers of the smallest and largest sizes.

If you wish to bring your own boots, you should follow the guidelines below:
Rubber, waterproof boots that are just below your knees (12-16” high or 30-41cm) with a strong, ridged non-skid sole are essential for wet landings via the Zodiacs. You usually have to step from the Zodiac into the water, which can be up to 1 ft or 30 cm high on most landings. Do not bring heavy, cumbersome boots that make it difficult to walk. Do not bring boots with metal cleats as they cannot be used for the landings. Try out your boots before your voyage.

The electricity onboard is 220AC electrical outlets, with European 2 pin round holes, as well as 110-volt shaving sockets in the bathroom for electric razors only. You may wish to bring an international adapter. A limited supply of electrical adapters are available to borrow free of charge at the Purser’s Desk.

Group Leader Description

A carefully chosen team will lead our voyage. The G Expedition boasts an international team of professional naturalists and lecturers. Their goal is to provide an informed and balanced interpretation of the destination, accomplished through stimulating lectures, day-to-day briefings, and informal discussions. Your lecturers and Expedition Leader will cover all aspects of the voyage including ornithology, marine biology, geography, geology, history and the environment, as well as practical things like photography. The expedition staff work conscientiously with you on deck and in the field, improving your observational skills to allow you to experience all that the destination has to offer. Their strong sense of ethics and ecological knowledge make for stimulating and mindful conversation whether onshore or at the dinner table. The expedition staff will are experienced drivers who will pilot the Zodiac landing crafts used for shore landings and Zodiac cruises in a responsible manner consistent with our safety standards on board.

Group Size Notes

Max 134 aboard the G Expedition.

Meals Included

14 breakfasts, 13 lunches, 14 dinners

Meals

Onboard our expedition ships you’ll find a diverse offering of gourmet international cuisines prepared and catered by professional chefs. All meals are included in the price of your expedition cruise. Dining is casual, tables are unassigned and the dining room is capable of seating the entire passenger compliment at one time. There is always a selection of different meals available, and vegetarians will find plenty of options. Special dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice, please advise us at time of confirmation. Coffee, tea and water are all provided free of charge. All other beverages, alcoholic and non-alcoholic are not included and can be purchased in the dining room, pub, or in the lounge.

Transport

G Expedition, Zodiac, local bus, coach, walking.

Accommodation

Aboard the G Expedition in quad-, triple-, twin-share cabins, or suites (all with en suite bathrooms and porthole or window, 14 nts). Please note that all cabins consist of twin-size berths and are ocean-facing. Suites have one queen-size bed.

My Own Room

Please note that if you have booked the “My Own Room” option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops

Arrival Complications

We don’t expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier and contact us as soon as possible. If you have a pre-booked transfer, and you have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.

Emergency Contact

Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call either the G Adventures Local Representative (if one is listed below) or our G Adventures Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.

EMERGENCYCONTACTNUMBERS

Please call the numbers listed below, which will connect you directly with our 24 hour Sales team, who will happily assist you.

Your luggage should be a clearly labeled suitcase, or rucksack, plus a daypack. Most airlines allow one checked bag and two carry-ons per person. Most airlines are currently enforcing strict restrictions for checked luggage and carry-on bags. To avoid any problems on check-in and with possible excess baggage charges, please consult your airline for specific restrictions.

In the world’s most remote destinations that we travel to on the G Expedition, we cannot offload our plastics, glass or tin waste for recycling. Therefore, we try to reduce what single use items we use. You will see on the ship that every effort is being made to stop the use of single use plastic containers, bags and other items. In an effort to prevent plastic waste from entering the waste stream, we are asking for your help. We offer exceptional drinking water on the ship with refilling stations for your reusable water containers. You will be provided a complimentary water bottle to fill up as needed. Plastic items such as single use shampoo/conditioner plastic containers cannot be recycled, so please plan to bring any plastics back to your home countries for recycling. Please do not bring single use items that you intend to leave behind such plastic bags and throw away razors. Your participation in helping to prevent pollution and promote recycling is greatly appreciated.

Aboard the G Expedition ship, laundry facilities are provided at a nominal charge.

Visas and Entry Requirements

All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. IT IS YOURRESPONSIBILITY TO HAVETHECORRECTTRAVELDOCUMENTATION.

Spending Money

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. While on board our Expedition ships, please note that the currency for all purchases is USD.

Money Exchange

Before and after the cruise:
Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances. Visa cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are widely available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work overseas. Check with your bank. You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies. Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of US dollars or Euros cash and cards is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don’t want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.

While on board the G Expedition:
Cash and most major credit cards (VISA, Mastercard and American Express) are accepted to clear incidental bills at the end of the cruise by the ship’s Purser (eg: bar bills, laundry, crew tips, etc).

Emergency Fund

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an ‘emergency’ fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

Tipping

Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. It is an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your expedition. The industry standard and suggested amount is USD $10 – 15 per person per day spent on board. Of course, tipping is a personal choice and the suggested amount is set only as a guideline. Crew tips may be settled using most major credit cards (VISA, Mastercard and AMEX) by the ship’s Purser. The money is collected by the Hotel Manager at the end of the voyage and distributed amongst the crew and Expedition Staff. The Officers choose not to participate in the tipping pool.

Optional Activities

Lerwick
- Shetland Museum visit

Health

Please consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We require all passengers traveling on the G Expedition to review our medical questionnaire. The questionnaire can be found online at:
www.gadventures.com/online_medical_form

Passengers with preexisting medical conditions are required to submit a medical form signed by a physician to their booking agent. It is very important that we are advised of any special meal requirements, food allergies, or prescribed medication when you confirm your tour. The ship is equipped with a small infirmary with typically required medications and limited equipment. The ship’s doctor is available for visits during the day and is available 24 hours per day for emergencies.

In case of an emergency, please also bring with you a signed and dated letter from your physician (to be given to our doctor on board, as well as for any medical authorities) stating any health problems and dosage requirements. International health regulations do not currently require any inoculations for the countries that you will visit on our voyage. We suggest that you confer with your own physician to be sure your routine immunizations, such as tetanus, diphtheria and hepatitis A, are up-to-date before travelling. Older travelers, in particular, may wish to consider preventive measures against influenza and pneumonia.

Safety and Security

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government’s advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers’ cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewelery at home – you won’t need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it deemed necessary, due to safety concerns. Your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy and explore at your leisure. While your CEO will assist you with options available in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.

Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards), have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our CEOs to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s).

Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk. Read more about travel safety for ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling.

A Couple of Rules

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.

Trip Specific Responsible Travel

OURCOMMITMENT TO RESPONSIBLETRAVEL

As a leader in sustainable tourism, we are committed to ensuring that all of our marine expeditions operate in a socially and environmentally responsible manner. All expeditions aboard the G Expedition meet and exceed all environmental regulations and protocols in the regions that we visit.

Staff & Crew:
Our crew and expedition team act as stewards of the environment and are well versed in the strict environmental protocols on board and on land. All of our travellers are thoroughly briefed in these protocols before being allowed to participate in excursions and are always supervised by our team when on shore.

4-stroke Outboard Engines:
In an effort to drastically reduce environmental pollutants 4-stroke outboard engines have been installed on all of our Zodiacs. Our 4-stroke outboard motors use less fuel and produce less noise pollution than 2-stroke engines. Since there is no mixing of oil and gas the exhaust is intrinsically much cleaner and friendlier to the environment.

Planeterra Foundation
Through our commitment to responsible tourism we have developed the Planeterra Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports local community projects and small-business owners worldwide.

Sea Chart Auction:
At the end of each departure, the Captain’s Sea Chart is auctioned and all proceeds are donated to the Planeterra to support our community initiatives in places G Adventures travels to.

Our end goal is to minimize the potential negative impact of tourism in the areas in which we operate while maximizing the positive impact of instilling a widened understanding and appreciation of these regions. During our voyages, we ask all our passengers that they see their visit to these areas as a privilege and that they share their newfound knowledge and experiences with others when they return home. We also hope that by bringing people to these regions that they continue to act as ambassadors and stewards of these areas.

Planeterra-The G Adventures Foundation

The Planeterra Foundation planeterra.org is a Canadian non-profit organization that helps empower local people to develop their communities, conserve their cultures, and create humane and supportive systems for their endeavours. Planeterra provides capacity building and catalyst grants to get community social enterprises off the ground. These businesses address local challenges by providing benefits for indigenous people, empowering marginalized women, and granting disadvantaged youth access to education, employment, and brighter futures. Planeterra also works to ensure these businesses have a thriving customer base by integrating programs into G Adventures’ itineraries globally.

G Adventures is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs so 100% of your donation will bring opportunity to people in need.

Dollar-a-Day Program
G Adventures’ Dollar-a-Day Program provides travellers with the opportunity to give back to the people and places visited on our tours by donating one dollar for every day you are on trip. 100% of these donations go directly to support community development projects worldwide that are implemented by Planeterra.

Feedback

After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we’ll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at customerservice@gadventures.com and we will send it on to you.

Newsletter

Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from G Adventures, subscribe at www.gadventures.com/newsletters/

Stay current on how our company invests in our global community through our foundation – Planeterra. Sign up for Planeterra’s monthly news to learn more about how to give back and support the people and places we love to visit.

Minimum Age

Minimum age of 10 years for this trip.

Keeping in Touch on the G Expedition

While you are on board the G Expedition, we know that keeping in touch with your family and friends is important to you. We want to ensure you have the tools available to keep you connected in some of the most remote regions of the world. We have a satellite system, which allows our travellers to connect to the internet or make phone calls with the purchase of personal data credit. Travellers may use our computer room or use any Wi-Fi enabled device to connect to our network, which is available in public areas on Decks 4 and 5. Satellite phone service is available and private calls can be made from our phone booth. Due to using a satellite connection and travelling in remote regions, internet can be slow and sometimes unavailable. The connection in the high Arctic is particularly challenging and no connection is available while in and around South Georgia Island.

International Flights

Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

Max Pax

134

PRODUCT_LINE: XVLLNX, ID: 25139

Itinerary

Day 1: Edinburgh/Kirkwall (1D)

The expedition begins near Scotland’s incomparable capital city. Board the ship this afternoon in the suburb Port of Leith, to embark on a voyage to the Arctic. The G Expedition departs in the evening through a lock which leads down to sea level, before heading out to sail down the Firth of Forth. While on deck, keep a lookout for common eiders and northern gannets.

Additional Notes:
Please make sure to be at the Apex Waterloo Place Hotel before 13:00 as luggage will be transferred to the ship at that time. Meet back at the hotel no later than 15:00 for a group transfer to the Port of Leith at 16:00.

Included Activities:
Arrival Day

Transport:
Private Vehicle
G Expedition

Day 2: Kirkwall/Orkney (1B, 1L, 1D)

There are few places in the world that offer as much as the Orkneys. Only six miles off the coast of Scotland, the islands are famous for their abundant marine bird life and dramatic coastal scenery. Enjoy an afternoon to explore the ancient history of the people of these Scottish Isles.

Included Activities:
Orkney Islands Ancient Ruins Guided Tour

Transport:
G Expedition

Day 3: Shetland Islands (1B, 1L, 1D)

The Shetland archipelago is an engaging mix of Scotland and Scandinavia blessed with spectacular coastlines, varied and abundant birdlife and a number of archaeological sites that date back thousands of years.

Included Activities:
Lerwick Visit

Transport:
G Expedition

Day 4: Ålesund (1B, 1L, 1D)

Cross the famous North Sea to reach Norway. Spend the afternoon exploring the beautiful Art Nouveau district of Ålesund, or take the 418 steps up to Fjellstua for the best view of the city, islands and bay. Opt to visit the Ålesund Museum and learn about the culture and history of the town, including the fire which destroyed the city in 1904.

Transport:
G Expedition

Day 5: Åndalsnes (1B, 1L, 1D)

A full day to explore the town of Åndalsnes and the surrounding mountains. Board the Rauma Railway taking you into the dramatic scenes of the Romsdalen mountains, or explore on foot in “The Alp town by the fjord”.

Included Activities:
Rauma Railway & Romsdalen

Transport:
G Expedition

Day 6: Trondheim (1B, 1L, 1D)

Continue on to Trondheim. Choose between hiking in Bymarka Nature Reserve before visiting the Sverresborg Folk Museum, or enjoying a city tour including the Folk Museum and the elaborate Nidaros Cathedral, built between 1070 and 1300. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore the area on your own.

Included Activities:
Trondheim Visit

Transport:
G Expedition
G Expedition

Day 7: Torghatten/Vega (1B, 1L, 1D)

The mountain scenery and coastline offer breathtaking views. The goal is to visit Torghatten, one of the most bizarre rock formations in Norway and a significant local landmark.

Included Activities:
Torghatten Excursion
Vega Island Visit

Transport:
G Expedition
G Expedition

Day 8: Svartisen/Vikingen (1B, 1L, 1D)

Visit Svartisen, and Vikingen, to see beautiful glaciers and a globe sculpture which marks Vikingen as a point directly on the Arctic Circle.

Included Activities:
Svartisen Land Excursion
Vikingen Visit

Transport:
G Expedition

Day 9: Lofoten Islands (1B, 1L, 1D)

The Lofoten archipelago is an enchanting area of picturesque villages by the sea backed with jagged peaks. Go ashore by Zodiac for a day trip of the area. Start by visiting the Tørrfiskmuseum to learn about traditional work of the islands before visiting Nusfjord, one of Norway’s oldest and best-preserved fishing villages for lunch at a local restaurant. After, stop in Henningsvær for time to see local art or explore the quaint fishing village. In the evening, stay on deck as you cruise into one of Norway’s most famous fjords, the short yet dramatic Trollfjord. Search the cliffs on your continuing quest to spot trolls.

Included Activities:
Å Village Visit

Transport:
G Expedition

Day 10: Tromsø (1B, 1L, 1D)

Tromsø, the capital of northern Norway, is known as the “Gateway to the Arctic” as it was the embarkation point for many Arctic expeditions. Learn about past Arctic expeditions and opt for some hiking or to explore the city on your own.

Included Activities:
Tromsø Guided Tour

Transport:
G Expedition

Day 11: At Sea/Bjørnøya (1B, 1L, 1D)

Sail past Bear Island. Weather permitting, there may be an opportunity to explore mist-shrouded Bjørnøya by Zodiac – the weather is temperamental, so this is a 50/50 chance. Bear island even from afar has spectacular views, thousands of species of birds like fulmars, kittiwakes, guillemots and gulls.

Included Activities:
Arctic Lectures and Educational Programs

Transport:
G Expedition

Day 12: Hornsund (1B, 1L, 1D)

Our flexible itinerary and experience here allow us to take the best advantage of ice and weather conditions. Each season we attempt to discover new landing sites to explore to enhance your expedition experience. Shore walks and Zodiac adventures bring us up close to mystical landscapes, icebergs, and wildlife.

Included Activities:
Hornsund Shore Walks and Zodiac Adventures

Day 13: Svalbard (1B, 1L, 1D)

Soak in the sights and sounds of Svalbard. Glaciers, nesting birds, sea mammals like polar bears, walruses and whales plus land mammals like the Arctic fox and reindeer all call this region home.

Transport:
G Expedition

Day 14: Svalbard/Longyearbyen (1B, 1L, 1D)

Continue exploring the icy wonderland of Svalbard.

Transport:
G Expedition
G Expedition

Day 15: Longyearbyen (1B)

Transfers to Longyearbyen Airport will be offered to all passengers with flights scheduled after disembarkation.

Additional Notes:
After disembarkation at approximately 8:00am, you will be transferred to either the airport or the Radisson Blu Polar Hotel, depending on the time of your flight. Those transferred to the hotel will have an opportunity to explore the town centre on their own, and then be transferred to the airport later in the day as per flight schedules. Transfer times will be confirmed, and communicated onboard prior to departure. Luggage storage at the Raddison Blu Polar hotel will be available until time of departure.

We are pleased to offer an early morning disembarkation and transfer to the airport for those passengers with flights departing Longyearbyen around 2:30am (dependent on airline schedules).